What defines "battery" in tort law?

Battery in tort law is defined by intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person. This definition captures the essence of battery, which involves two primary elements: intention and the act of physical contact. The intent here refers to the actor’s desire to cause the contact or knowledge that such contact is substantially certain to occur. The contact itself does not have to result in physical injury; any unlawful touching, even if minor, can qualify as battery.

The other options do not fit the requirements for battery. Apprehension of imminent harmful contact pertains to assault, which focuses on the fear of harm rather than the actual physical contact. The failure to act reasonably relates to negligence, which is a separate tort concerned with a breach of duty that results in harm, rather than intentional wrongs. Unreasonable interference with another’s property describes trespass or nuisance, which again falls outside the definition of battery, as it involves property rather than personal contact. Thus, "intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person" encapsulates the definition of battery effectively.